countyscore
47.4
County Score
Cost of Living 87.3Property Tax 76.6Disaster Risk 67.1

County Report Card

About Desha County, Arkansas

Desha County near the national median

Desha County's composite score of 47.4 sits just below the national median of 50.0, placing it in the 45th percentile. The county ranks close to average on livability compared to U.S. counties.

Right at Arkansas's state average

At 47.4, Desha County scores virtually inline with Arkansas's state average of 47.9, placing it squarely in the middle of the state's county rankings. The county represents a typical Arkansas livability profile.

Exceptional housing affordability and decent schools

Desha County excels in cost with a score of 87.3, median home value of $89,100, and rent at just $689/month—among the state's most affordable. The school score of 51.8 adds moderate educational appeal.

Income crisis and water quality concern

Desha County's income score of 1.1 reflects severe economic hardship with median household income of only $36,064—the lowest among these eight counties. Water quality also presents concerns with a score of 8.1, suggesting potential environmental issues.

Viable for retirees with outside income sources

Desha County suits retirees and remote workers with secure income sources seeking minimal housing costs. The ultra-low housing expenses and moderate school quality work for established households, but limited local employment and water concerns make it less suitable for job-seeking families.

Score breakdown

Tax76.6Cost87.3Safety18.1Health17.6Schools51.8Income1.1Risk67.1Water8.1Weather48.5
🏛76.6
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
TaxByCounty →
🏠87.3
Cost of Living
Median rent, home values, and housing affordability
CostByCounty →
💼1.1
Income & Jobs
Median household income and per capita earnings
IncomeByCounty →
🛡18.1
Safety
Violent and property crime rates per 100K residents
CrimeByCounty →
❤17.6
Health
Life expectancy, uninsured rates, and health access
HealthByCounty →
🎓51.8
Schools
Graduation rates, per-pupil spending, and attainment
SchoolsByCounty →
⚡67.1
Disaster Risk
FEMA National Risk Index — flood, fire, tornado, and more
RiskByCounty →
💧8.1
Water Quality
EPA drinking water health violations and safety grades
WaterByCounty →
🌤48.5
Weather & Climate
Average temperatures, precipitation, and extreme weather events
WeatherByCounty →
🪨58.3
Soil Quality
Soil composition, pH, drainage, and organic matter content
SoilByCounty →
🌱36.3
Lawn Care
Lawn difficulty score based on climate, soil, and grass suitability
LawnByCounty →
🛒
Farmers Markets
Local market density, SNAP/EBT acceptance, and product variety
MarketsByCounty →
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Counties with similar scores

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Cumberland County
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Ocean County
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Nash County
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Nearby counties

Bolivar County
Mississippi
33.3
Arkansas County
Arkansas
37.4
Lincoln County
Arkansas
52.8
Coahoma County
Mississippi
44.8
Phillips County
Arkansas
37.8
Sunflower County
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46.4
Drew County
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47.2
Chicot County
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50.6

Deep Dives

Desha County across the ByCounty Network

Detailed analysis from 10 data dimensions — each powered by a dedicated ByCounty site.

Property Tax in Desha County

via TaxByCounty

Desha County taxes rank among nation's lowest

Desha County's effective tax rate of 0.580% places it well below the national median tax burden, with median annual taxes of just $517 against the national median of $2,690. Property owners here enjoy exceptional affordability by national standards.

Above state average, lower home values

Desha County's 0.582% effective rate sits about 9% above the Arkansas state average of 0.532%, placing it in the upper-middle tier statewide. However, with median home values of only $89,100—among the state's lowest—the median tax of $517 remains modest in absolute dollars.

Mid-range rate for southeast Arkansas

Desha's 0.580% rate falls between Cross County (0.552%) and Crittenden County (0.602%), positioning it as a moderate tax burden in the region. The county's lower median home value creates one of the lowest absolute tax bills in its immediate surroundings.

Median Desha County home costs $517 yearly

A homeowner with the county's median-valued property of $89,100 pays approximately $517 in annual property taxes. With a mortgage, that obligation can rise to $559; without one, it falls to $448.

Challenge your assessment if overvalued

Desha County homeowners should verify their assessed values match recent comparable sales in the local market. If your property is assessed higher than fair market value, a formal appeal to the assessor offers a pathway to lower tax liability.

Full property tax analysis on TaxByCounty

Cost of Living in Desha County

via CostByCounty

Desha's severe affordability burden

Desha County faces the region's most severe housing affordability crisis, with a 22.9% rent-to-income ratio—the highest among all comparison counties. The median household income of just $36,064 ranks lowest in the group, forcing residents to dedicate nearly a quarter of earnings to rent alone.

Arkansas' most strained housing market

At 22.9%, Desha County's rent-to-income ratio is the worst in Arkansas, exceeding the state average of 18.1% by nearly 5 percentage points. This places Desha among the nation's most housing-burdened counties, with structural economic challenges underlying the affordability crisis.

Lowest income, unsustainable housing ratio

While Desha County's median rent of $689 is moderate compared to Crittenden ($883), the median household income of $36,064 is dramatically lower than all neighbors. This income deficit creates the region's worst housing affordability ratio, far exceeding Cross County's already-severe 20.3%.

Housing consumes the budget

Renters allocate 22.9% of their $36,064 median household income to the $689 monthly rent, while homeowners pay $572 monthly (19.0%) for homes valued at $89,100. A household earning Desha's median income has just $27,700 annually remaining for all other expenses after housing.

Desha requires careful consideration

Moving to Desha County only makes sense if you're securing a job that pays significantly above the local median—or if you're retiring with stable outside income. The county's low housing costs cannot offset the severe income constraints residents face.

Full cost of living analysis on CostByCounty

Income & Jobs in Desha County

via IncomeByCounty

Desha County faces extreme income disparity

Desha County's median household income of $36,064 sits a staggering $38,691 below the national median of $74,755—a 52% gap, the largest in this survey. The county earns 29% below Arkansas's state average, placing it among the nation's most economically challenged areas.

Desha ranks last among Arkansas counties

Desha County records the lowest median household income in this eight-county sample and ranks among the lowest statewide. Decades of agricultural decline and limited economic diversification have compounded systemic challenges.

Desha significantly trails all peer counties

Desha's $36,064 median income falls behind every comparison county: Dallas ($44,694), Drew ($41,071), Cross ($47,012), Franklin ($51,919), and Crawford ($60,362). This isolation reflects acute local economic stress.

Housing costs consume critical income share

At 22.9%, Desha's rent-to-income ratio is dangerously high, pushing 75% of households into cost-burdened housing situations. Combined with other essentials, median-earning Desha families struggle to meet basic needs, let alone save.

Seek resources and economic mobility programs

Desha families facing severe income constraints should connect with local nonprofits, workforce development programs, and financial assistance resources first. Wealth building comes later—immediate stability and income growth are the priority.

Full income & jobs analysis on IncomeByCounty

Safety in Desha County

via CrimeByCounty

Desha County Outperforms National Averages

Desha County boasts a total crime rate of 2,179.9 per 100,000, which is lower than the national average of 2,385.5. Its safety score of 96.6 reflects a secure environment for residents and visitors alike. This makes it one of the more statistically safe counties in the region.

A Leader in Arkansas Safety

The county's safety score of 96.6 exceeds the Arkansas state average of 96.3. Desha County's total crime rate is also lower than the state's average of 2,326.8. These metrics suggest that local law enforcement is highly effective at maintaining order.

A Reliable Neighbor for Public Safety

Desha's crime rate of 2,179.9 is significantly lower than Dallas County's 3,507.4. It shares a similar safety profile with Drew County, maintaining the region's overall security. This consistency across several reporting agencies provides peace of mind for the local population.

Lower Property Crime Rates Locally

The property crime rate of 1,559.6 is well below the national average of 2,015.7. However, the violent crime rate of 620.3 is slightly higher than the national benchmark of 369.8. This means while your belongings are safer here, personal safety still requires attention.

Maintaining a Safe Home in Desha

While property crime is low, maintaining your home’s security helps keep those numbers down. Installing well-placed lighting and keeping landscaping trimmed can deter unwanted activity. Your participation in community safety helps Desha maintain its high rank.

Full safety analysis on CrimeByCounty

Health in Desha County

via HealthByCounty

Desha faces worst health challenges

At 70.6 years, Desha County residents live nearly 2 years below the U.S. average of 72.5 years, and the county reports the state's worst poor/fair health rate at 33.8%—far exceeding the national average of 18%. These numbers reflect severe, widespread health challenges across the population.

Desha ranks lowest in Arkansas

Desha County's 70.6-year life expectancy trails Arkansas's 72.3-year state average, and its 33.8% poor/fair health rate is the worst in the state by a significant margin. The county faces the most acute health crisis in Arkansas.

Most troubled county in region

Desha County's 70.6-year life expectancy and especially its 33.8% poor/fair health rate substantially exceed the challenges faced by all neighboring counties, including Crittenden (28.1%) and Cross County (25.5%). This region faces compounded health challenges, with Desha at the center.

High uninsured rate worsens crisis

Desha County's 10.5% uninsured rate is among the state's highest, meaning more than 1 in 10 residents lack coverage in a county already struggling with severe health challenges. Primary care providers at 45 per 100,000 provide some access, but the combination of high uninsurance and poor health outcomes suggests systemic barriers to care.

Health coverage is your lifeline

With the worst health outcomes in Arkansas and high uninsured rates, Desha County residents need coverage more than ever. Visit Healthcare.gov or contact a local community health center to explore Medicaid, marketplace plans, and free or low-cost care options immediately available to you.

Full health analysis on HealthByCounty

Schools in Desha County

via SchoolsByCounty

Efficient School Systems in Desha County

Desha County supports 2,099 students through seven public schools across two districts. The educational network includes three elementary, two middle, and two high schools distributed throughout the county.

Strong Graduation Performance Above Averages

A graduation rate of 92.8% places Desha County schools above the state average of 90.3% and the national average of 87.0%. The county invests $6,672 per pupil, which is notably higher than the state median expenditure.

McGehee and Dumas Drive Enrollment

The McGehee School District is the largest in the county with 1,098 students, followed closely by the Dumas School District with 1,001 students. No charter schools currently operate in the county, ensuring a focus on traditional public school districts.

A Town-Centric Learning Environment

Five of the county's schools are located in town settings, providing an average school size of 300 students. McGehee Elementary is the largest campus with 530 students, while high schoolers typically attend smaller environments like the 314-student Dumas High.

Discover a Community Focused on Success

Desha County offers strong graduation outcomes and a comfortable town-based school environment for growing families. Browse homes in the area to secure a place in these high-performing and well-funded school districts.

Full schools analysis on SchoolsByCounty

Disaster Risk in Desha County

via RiskByCounty

Desha County ranks very low nationally

Desha County's composite risk of 32.89 places it in the Very Low category, well below the national average and among safer U.S. counties overall. However, hurricane risk at 63.29 is notably elevated compared to other hazards.

Well below Arkansas average

Desha's 32.89 score is less than 60% of Arkansas's state average of 55.51, ranking it among the state's safest counties. Only Dallas County (10.08) offers significantly lower risk to residents.

Safer than Drew County

Desha County at 32.89 edges out nearby Drew County at 35.15, both occupying the state's low-risk tier. Desha's main hazard advantage comes from minimal wildfire exposure (3.21), though tornado risk remains comparable.

Hurricane risk is the primary concern

Desha County's hurricane risk of 63.29 significantly outpaces its other hazards, reflecting potential tropical storm impacts from the Gulf. Tornado risk at 55.57 and earthquake risk at 83.84 add secondary threats, though all three remain below many Arkansas counties.

Focus on wind and flood coverage

Desha residents should prioritize wind and hail coverage to address hurricane exposure, and maintain flood insurance if in or near high-water areas. Standard homeowners insurance forms a solid foundation for the county's moderate natural disaster risk.

Full disaster risk analysis on RiskByCounty

Weather & Climate in Desha County

via WeatherByCounty

Deep South Warmth in Desha County

Desha County records an annual average temperature of 63.5°F, which is 9.5 degrees warmer than the national median. This reflects the intense, humid climate of the lower Mississippi Delta region.

One of Arkansas's Warmest Counties

The county's average temperature of 63.5°F sits 2.5 degrees above the state average of 61.0°F. It ranks among the hottest counties in Arkansas, especially during the long summer months.

Transitioning to the Southern Heat Tier

Desha is notably warmer than Crittenden to the north, which averages 62.2°F. It is slightly cooler than Drew County to the west, which hits an average of 64.1°F.

High Heat and Minimal Winter Snow

The region endures 72 extreme heat days annually, and winter provides little relief with only 0.6 inches of snow. January remains mild with an average temperature of 43.3°F.

Essential Heat Safety and Moisture Control

With 72 days of extreme heat, cooling centers and hydration are vital for outdoor workers. Minimal snowfall means winter tires are rarely needed, but humidity management is a year-round home concern.

Full weather & climate analysis on WeatherByCounty

Soil Quality in Desha County

via SoilByCounty

High-performing soils with neutral pH

Desha County earns an impressive soil score of 58.3, far exceeding the state average of 37.7. The average pH of 6.30 is nearly optimal, sitting just below the national median of 6.5. This chemical balance supports high nutrient availability for most commercial and garden plants.

Heavy textures for maximum retention

The soil is a heavy mix of 52.4% silt and 34.3% clay, with only 13.3% sand. This composition creates a dense, nutrient-rich environment that excels at holding onto fertilizers. While it can be heavy to dig, the high clay content provides an excellent structural base for crops.

Superior moisture holding capacity

The available water capacity of 0.181 in/in is well above the state average of 0.148 in/in. Organic matter sits at 1.96%, providing a solid foundation for soil life. These factors combine to create a highly fertile environment that withstands dry Arkansas summers better than neighboring regions.

Managing water in delta soils

While specific drainage classes are not listed, the high silt and clay content indicates slow natural drainage. This soil is prone to holding water, which is a benefit for rice production but a challenge for building foundations. Proper grading is essential to manage moisture effectively on this land.

Extended growing in zone 8b

Desha County is in hardiness zone 8b, the warmest zone in this group. This allows for an exceptionally long growing season and the potential for overwintering many semi-hardy plants. The rich, heavy soil is perfect for producing high yields of okra, melons, and sweet potatoes.

Full soil quality analysis on SoilByCounty

Lawn Care in Desha County

via LawnByCounty

Hardy Turf Needed for Desha County

Desha County's lawn difficulty score of 36.3 is nearly identical to the Arkansas state average but remains tougher than the national median of 50.0. Located in hardiness zone 8b, this area demands heat-tolerant turf that can survive long, humid summers.

Maximum Heat and Extended Growth

With 72 extreme heat days and 5,697 growing degree days, the environment is aggressive for anything but the hardiest grasses. The 52.8 inches of rain provides a good base, but the high temperatures mean lawns require frequent, deep watering to survive.

Working with Heavy Clay Soils

The soil contains 34.3% clay, which creates a dense foundation that holds water but can become waterlogged easily. A pH of 6.30 is nearly perfect for most lawns, meaning the primary challenge is managing soil compaction rather than chemistry.

Extreme Drought Challenges

Currently, 97.3% of Desha County is experiencing severe drought, capping off a year with 30 weeks of dry conditions. To conserve water, homeowners should raise their mower height to provide shade for the soil and reduce evaporation.

Early Start for Zone 8b Lawns

With the last frost occurring early on March 12, homeowners can start their lawns sooner than most of the state. Because the first frost isn't until November 14, there is a massive window to establish heat-loving species like Centipede or Zoysia.

Full lawn care analysis on LawnByCounty

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Desha County's county score?
Desha County, Arkansas has a composite county score of 47.4 out of 100 on CountyScore. This score is calculated from a weighted average of available data dimensions including property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools.
How does Desha County rank among counties in Arkansas?
Desha County ranks #41 among all counties in Arkansas on CountyScore's composite ranking. Rankings are based on available data dimensions and updated as new data is added.
What are property taxes like in Desha County, Arkansas?
The median annual property tax in Desha County is $517, with an effective tax rate of 0.58%. This earns Desha County a tax score of 76.6/100 on CountyScore (higher = lower taxes).
What is the median household income in Desha County?
The median household income in Desha County, Arkansas is $36,064 per year according to U.S. Census Bureau data. Desha County earns an income score of 1.1/100 on CountyScore.
Is Desha County, Arkansas a good place to live?
Desha County scores 47.4/100 on CountyScore's overall county ranking, ranking #41 in Arkansas. The best way to evaluate Desha County is to compare individual dimension scores — property tax, cost of living, income, safety, health, and schools — based on your personal priorities. Use CountyScore to compare Desha County with other counties side by side.

ByCounty Network

🏛Property Tax🏠Cost of Living💼Income & Jobs🛡Safety❤Health🎓Schools⚡Disaster Risk💧Water Quality🌤Weather & Climate🪨Soil Quality🌱Lawn Care🛒Farmers Markets

Data from U.S. Census Bureau ACS, FBI UCR, CDC, FEMA NRI, NCES, EPA SDWIS, NOAA — informational only.